John Huff/Staff photographer
South Berwick resident Alex Noble holds a model ship he made, with his service dog Mick at his side.

SOUTH BERWICK — Twelve-year-old Alex Noble sits wide-eyed on his couch at home during spring break intently focused on building a model sailboat, immersed in its directions.

His two younger sisters, his mother and his stepfather are also home, busy in both the kitchen and the living room.

But, according to Alex's mother, Amy Roberge, Alex does not even realize they are there.

This is because Alex is autistic and is described by his stepfather, Robert Roberge, as “rigid” and as “seeing everything as just one color.”

He is on a handful of medications, has a temperature regulation issue and when he was diagnosed at 20 months, Amy was told that Alex's play skills were of that of an 8-month-old baby.

But, now, as a seventh grader at Marshwood Middle School, Amy said Alex has come a long way, now having hobbies like Mindcraft, a popular video game, and great relationships with some of his teachers and peers.

He no longer requires special education services and does not go to school with his service dog, Mick, anymore.

The lovable dog is now used at Central School in the guidance counselor's room for children who need him.

While Alex said he misses Mick sometimes, Amy said he is proud to be able to go to school by himself and walk the halls alone like the other students.

This past semester, Alex also jumped another hurdle in his battle with autism.

A dream of his came true: He made the honor roll.

“When he said he had never done that, I was surprised that he hadn't already,” McFarland said. “He is a remarkable kid. I don't really see him as being that different from the other children, you know?”

McFarland said Alex is funny and creative, even if he misses some of the cues other children pick up on at his age.

“He is just a real positive guy,” she said.

While Robert said his stepson sees life as black and white, needing to follow the rules of the book, whether they are right or wrong, he and Alex's father, Jim Noble, say Alex's social skills have improved tremendously.

“Five years ago, he was anxious, nervous and needed a lot of help from aids,” Jim said. “Now he's learned to get out on his own, make friends, and even have a girlfriend at one time,” joking how Alex was almost relieved when the relationship ended, having not realized how much girls like to talk.

Amy said a monumental moment for her is when she saw her son being spontaneous, a quality many autistic children do not possess. She spotted Alex out on a kayak by himself, rowing in the water near their Caribou, Maine vacation home.

“His independence has really changed,” Robert said.

Robert said after seeing other kids trying different activities, Alex eventually realized that it is OK for him to also try a new sport. For the most part, though, Alex will not do anything unless he is told to do it.

Jim said he is very proud of his son, who has put a lot of hard work and effort into his social life and his studies. Jim said Alex's motivation is to continue having band five days a week.

Playing drums is one of Alex's passions.

Instead of also being enrolled in art and gym and other allied arts, Alex was approved to be in the band every day.

“He wanted to do it every day and they said as long as he keeps doing his homework he could have band,” Amy said.

To keep drumming, he dedicates two to three hours a night to homework sometimes.

”We tell him, 'If you want to keep band, you need to get this homework done,'” Amy said. “And he's done it. Look at him. He made second honors.”

Alex's parents and stepfather credit the Marshwood school system for their son's improvement.

“Marshwood has given him the chance to become that independent student,” Robert said. Robert said the school has encouraged Alex to be mainstreamed and attend classes like the majority of students.

“They need a big applause,” he said.

McFarland encouraged Alex to also take part in after-school activities. Alex was recently dancing, singing and performing in a school play McFarland directed.

“There were 40 kids and he was one of them,” McFarland said. “He put his whole being into it and danced his heart out and sang his heart out. He even had a couple lines where every show he would tweak the lines just a little bit to get a reaction out of the audience.”

Amy said she has to dig to find out all of the accomplishments her son is achieving as he has a difficult time reporting news to her.

“Unless we check in with the school or the team members, he doesn't come home and toot his own horn,” Amy said.

McFarland said he is incredible and continues to improve.

“His attitude is just so good and he's figuring this out,” she said. “He is just having a lot of opportunities to develop who he is.”